Short Summary

Seventeen of Japan's
toughest young mountaineers tested their strength and nerve in a demanding rock
climbing competition held recently in the Japan Alps National Park, about 130
miles (208 km) north west of Tokyo.

Description

Seventeen of Japan's
toughest young mountaineers tested their strength and nerve in a demanding rock
climbing competition held recently in the Japan Alps National Park, about 130
miles (208 km) north west of Tokyo. The Japanese climbers are hoping the
competition will eventually be included in the Winter Olympic Games.

The climbers had to clamber up a 60-metres high cliff-face, almost vertical, and
overhanging in places. It was chosen to fully test the finest climbers.

Judges were ??? each climb and taking into account each performer's apparent
strength of arms and legs, speed and general technique.

When the first competitor reached the summit, he broke out a flag. Rock climbing
is one of the most popular sports in Japan, and the Japan Alps caters for the
hardiest and most skilled performers.

The fact is it is hard to avoid becoming a rock climber in Japan because three
quarters of the country is mountainous. The teeming crush of cities like Tokyo,
the Japanese capital, and the regimentation and routine of Industrial life there
help to explain why so may Japanese delight in the quiet and the rigours of
climbing. The air is better up there, as well.

During the climbing season as many as two million people flock to the Japan
Alps, which are renowned for their ruggedness and their danger - every year
climbers fall to their death. While they look similar to the initiated eye, rock
climbing and mountain climbing are very different, though mountaineers use rock
climbing as part of their training.